Floyd was born on September 11, 1933, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Armand Joseph and Anite Leleux Badeaux. With his wife, Lois, he was owner and operator of L&F Recording Studio/Musik Faktory/Great-Recordings LLC. He was the former Public Information Director for the City of Port Arthur. A graduate of Bishop Byrne High School (St. Mary Section I), he served in the Texas National Guard, and volunteered for the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion. He studied at Port Arthur College under the G.I. Bill and later taught electronics there. He loved music, fronted The Rhythm Rangers hillbilly band for a time, and was once asked to join Roy Orbison’s band. He enjoyed playing his guitar with family and cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Floyd attended St. Mary Catholic Church until it closed, then joined St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur. Floyd was a member and President of the Port Arthur Jaycees, which he was pleased to help integrate. He also led the “Right to Prayer” in public schools and was on the Port of Port Arthur Bond Commission to establish the Port of Port Arthur. Other contributions: Charter Member of the Southeast Texas Press Club; Port Arthur Rotary Club; Bishop Byrne Band Boosters and School Board; St. Mary Parish Council and Finance Council, plus Holy Communion Minister, Lector, Usher, and Music Minister. (He was the first Lay Lector and Cantor at St. Mary Catholic Church after Vatican II.) He announced Cavoilcade parades; led the Clean City Commission and the Keep America Beautiful Campaign for the City of Port Arthur, which was designated an “All American City.” He directed the City Commodities program and the Senior Citizens Center. He was Mayor Sadler’s advance coordinator to Charleston, Ireland, when it became Port Arthur’s sister city during a communications strike in Ireland. He worked at KPAC, KFMP FM, KOLE, KSUZ, and KWLD in the capacities of chief engineer, announcer, newsman, and sports color. His first job was on horseback, at the age of 5, bringing milk cattle to Broussard’s Dairy Farm in Broussard, Louisiana. During high school, he worked at Bob’s Café in downtown Port Arthur, then later at Western Auto and Atlantic Richfield Refinery shutdowns.
Floyd is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois Mae Kruse Badeaux of Port Arthur; children, Father Kevin Badeaux of Port Arthur; Corliss Marie Badeaux of Lake Charles, LA; Bonnie Badeaux Gilchrist (husband Ryan) of Bryan; Doreen Michelle Badeaux of Port Arthur, and Jeannie Badeaux Seligman (husband) Anthony of Houston; brother, Raymond Joseph Badeaux (wife Diana) of Baytown; son-in-law, Scott Rider (wife Carlyn) of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Bram, Dane, Alex, and Laurence Vinson; Tabitha, Lance, and Tana Rider; Zachary and Nicholas Seligman; Ryan, Jr. and Roland Gilchrist; great grandchildren, Elliot and Claire Vinson, Heidi Armistead, and Norah Mae Rider. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Anite and Armand Badeaux; children, Galen Badeaux and Shannon Badeaux Rider.
Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2020, with a Christian Vigil recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, at St. James Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, all in Port Arthur.
See www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/port-arthur-tx/grammier-oberle-funeral-home/4035; fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the BADEAUX family.
